58.6
County Score
Health 85Safety 78.5Schools 72.3

County Report Card

About Wyoming County, New York

Far Exceeding the National Median

Wyoming County is a standout with a composite score of 58.6, well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the most livable counties in its class nationwide.

A New York State Leader

With a 58.6 score, Wyoming vastly outperforms the New York state average of 47.0. It provides an exceptional balance of services and affordability compared to state peers.

Top-Tier Health, Safety, and Schools

The county excels across the board with scores of 85.0 for health, 78.5 for safety, and 72.3 for schools. Median gross rent is a highly affordable $782 per month.

Navigating High Property Taxes

The tax score of 1.3 is the primary weakness, resulting from an effective tax rate of 2.299%. Water quality also presents a moderate area for improvement at 36.8.

The Gold Standard for Balanced Living

Wyoming County is a premier choice for families seeking safety, great schools, and low housing costs. it offers some of the best overall value in the state of New York.

Score breakdown

Tax1.3Cost54.1Safety78.5Health85Schools72.3Income64.1Risk58.8Water36.8Weather55.2
🏛1.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠54.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼64.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡78.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
85
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓72.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
58.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧36.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨61.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱65.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Wyoming County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wyoming County

via TaxByCounty

Wyoming tax rate above national median

Wyoming County's effective tax rate of 2.299% exceeds the national median and edges above New York's state average of 2.046%. The median property tax of $3,557 runs 32% higher than the national median of $2,690, despite homes worth significantly less than the national average of $281,900.

Upper-middle tier among New York

Wyoming County ranks in the upper-middle range of New York's 62 counties for tax burden, placing it above the state average in relative terms. Its median tax of $3,557 runs below the state average of $4,709, but the effective rate suggests structural tax pressure.

Moderate rates in regional context

Wyoming County's 2.299% rate falls between Warren County's 1.530% and Wayne County's 2.551%, positioning it as mid-range in the region. Compared to Washington County (2.082%), Wyoming is slightly higher but significantly lower than Wayne's extreme 2.551% rate.

Median home costs $3,557 yearly

On Wyoming County's median home value of $154,700, expect to pay approximately $3,557 in annual property taxes—or about $3,830 with mortgage escrow. That's roughly $296-319 per month, moderate by state standards but elevated relative to national norms.

Assessment overages could cost you

Many Wyoming County homeowners are overassessed, paying more than their homes' actual market values justify. A free assessment appeal could uncover savings of $200-400 annually—contact your local assessor to request a reassessment if your property hasn't been evaluated recently.

Cost of Living in Wyoming County

via CostByCounty

Wyoming County's Rents Are Exceptionally Low

Wyoming County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable markets, sitting nearly 4 percentage points below the national median and reflecting genuine housing accessibility. At just $782 monthly against a $68,913 median income, Wyoming residents enjoy the rarest combination: low wages paired with even lower housing costs.

Second Most Affordable in New York

Wyoming County ranks second only to Wayne County statewide with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio well below New York's 17.6% average. At $782 per month, rent runs $351 cheaper than the state average, placing Wyoming among the state's clearest affordability leaders.

Cheapest Rent in the Southern Tier

Wyoming's $782 rent stands as the lowest surveyed, edging out Yates County ($802) and running roughly $150 cheaper than Wayne County's $929. Warren County to the north ($1,089) and Washington to the east ($1,000) both command substantially higher monthly payments.

Exceptionally Low Housing-to-Income Burden

At 13.6%, renters dedicate minimal income to rent, while owners face a modest $900 monthly, leaving substantial room in the budget for other necessities and savings. Wyoming delivers the lowest housing-cost burden among all surveyed counties by a significant margin.

Best Affordability for Budget-Conscious Movers

If maximum housing affordability is your priority, Wyoming County delivers unmatched value with the state's cheapest rent at $782 monthly and a 13.6% ratio beating all neighbors. With a median home value of just $154,700, Wyoming offers genuine economic breathing room for those relocating on modest means.

Income & Jobs in Wyoming County

via IncomeByCounty

Wyoming lags behind national average

Wyoming County's median household income of $68,913 falls $5,842 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county ranks below roughly 40% of American counties, reflecting a rural economy dependent on agriculture, small manufacturing, and services.

Wyoming ranks 44th in New York State

With a median household income of $68,913, Wyoming County ranks 44th among New York's 62 counties, trailing the state average of $76,433 by $7,520. The county sits in the lower-half of New York's income distribution, typical of the state's rural regions.

Wyoming earns less than all regional peers

Wyoming's $68,913 trails Warren County ($78,239) by $9,326, Washington County ($72,342) by $3,429, and Wayne County ($73,914) by $5,001. The county ranks as the lowest-income among its immediate neighbors, reflecting economic challenges common to rural western New York.

Lowest housing burden in the region

Wyoming households spend just 13.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio across all six counties and far below the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values of only $154,700, Wyoming offers exceptional housing affordability despite below-average incomes, making homeownership highly accessible.

Build wealth through disciplined saving

While Wyoming's income lags regional averages, the county's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio frees households to save aggressively. Prioritize employer 401(k) matching, build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses, and explore low-cost index fund investing to grow wealth steadily despite modest baseline earnings.

Safety in Wyoming County

via CrimeByCounty

Wyoming County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Wyoming County boasts an elite safety score of 99.2, making it one of the most secure counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 513.2 per 100,000 is nearly five times lower than the national average.

Leading New York in Public Safety

With a crime rate of only 513.2 per 100,000, Wyoming County far outperforms the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 99.2 is significantly higher than the state mean of 98.3.

Safest Profile Among Regional Peers

Wyoming County is notably safer than its neighbors, reporting 513.2 crimes per 100,000 compared to 930.7 in Wayne County. Even when compared to the safe Yates County at 635.3, Wyoming maintains a lower incident profile.

Exceptional Lows in Property Crime

The property crime rate of 443.8 per 100,000 is remarkably low compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is similarly rare, occurring at a rate of 69.4, which is nearly half the state average.

Preserving Peace in Wyoming County

While crime is statistically rare here, basic home security provides peace of mind and protects against isolated property incidents. Simple habits like locking windows and installing outdoor lighting help maintain this county's high safety standards.

Health in Wyoming County

via HealthByCounty

Wyoming County exceeds national life expectancy

At 78.2 years, Wyoming County residents live 2.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing the county in the national upper range. However, 15.6% report poor or fair health, suggesting some residents face wellness challenges despite the strong average.

Wyoming slightly ahead of state average

Wyoming's 78.2-year life expectancy edges out New York State's 77.9-year average, positioning the county in the state's healthier half. This narrow advantage reflects solid but not exceptional healthcare access and population health outcomes.

Competitive with Warren, better than Washington

Wyoming residents live nearly as long as Warren County residents (78.1 years) but enjoy lower uninsured rates at 4.6% versus Warren's 4.9%. However, Wyoming's 35 primary care providers per 100,000 lag significantly behind Warren's 111.

Strong insurance, moderate provider access

Wyoming's 4.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among its peers, reflecting strong health coverage, yet the county offers only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 people. This combination means insured residents can afford care but may struggle to find local providers.

Wyoming residents: keep coverage solid

With strong insurance coverage at 4.6% uninsured, Wyoming is doing well—but maintain that progress by checking your policy annually. Visit healthcare.gov or NY's marketplace to review options and ensure continuous, uninterrupted coverage.

Schools in Wyoming County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Districts in a Rural Landscape

Wyoming County features a streamlined educational system of 13 public schools across six districts, serving 4,290 students. The infrastructure is focused on core needs, with six elementary schools and four high schools providing the bulk of instruction. This small-scale system allows for a highly personalized approach to public education.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Wyoming County boasts a stellar 89.6% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the national 87.0% benchmark. This is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $13,262, showing highly efficient use of resources compared to the state average. The composite school score of 66.8 confirms that these schools are delivering quality results.

Leading Districts in Wyoming County

The Yorkshire-Pioneer Central School District is the largest provider, with 2,190 students across four schools. Attica Central follows with 1,144 students, while Letchworth Central serves 915 children. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning education remains rooted in traditional, community-governed school boards.

A True Rural Learning Experience

With eight schools in rural areas and five in small towns, the county offers a peaceful, focused educational atmosphere. The average school size is just 330 students, ensuring that even the largest building—Arcade Elementary with 515 students—remains accessible. This small-town character is perfect for families who value safety and personal attention in the classroom.

Settle Down Near Quality Schools

Wyoming County is a hidden gem for families looking for high graduation rates in a quiet, rural setting. Real estate near the Arcade or Attica school districts offers the benefit of strong community support and academic success. Explore local listings to find a home where your children can thrive in a close-knit school environment.

Disaster Risk in Wyoming County

via RiskByCounty

Wyoming County's exceptionally low risk

With a composite risk score of 41.25, Wyoming County ranks as very low risk—significantly safer than the national average and among New York's most protected communities. This exceptional standing reflects a county where natural hazard exposure remains minimal across virtually all disaster categories.

Among New York's safest counties

Wyoming County's 41.25 score sits dramatically below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it firmly in the state's lower-risk tier. This 28-point gap makes Wyoming one of the safest counties in New York, offering residents notably lower disaster exposure than the state norm.

Clear safety advantage in region

Wyoming County (41.25) ranks as the safest county in this six-county sample, even safer than nearby Yates County (46.63) and significantly safer than all other regional peers. This safety profile suggests that Wyoming's inland location, terrain, and climate create natural buffers against major disaster threats.

Flood and hurricane risks moderate

Even Wyoming County's highest risks remain contained: flood risk (63.74) and hurricane risk (62.49) both fall below state average. Wildfire (13.10) and earthquake (25.92) threats are exceptionally low, reflecting the county's geography and distance from seismic zones.

Standard homeowners coverage often sufficient

Wyoming County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with comprehensive coverage, though your overall risk exposure is notably lower than most New York counties. Consider flood insurance only if your property sits in a designated flood zone—your baseline disaster risk is well-controlled.

Weather & Climate in Wyoming County

via WeatherByCounty

A Distinctly Cool Continental Climate

Wyoming County's annual average temperature of 44.4°F is significantly lower than the national median. This reflects its position in a cool continental zone where winters are long and summers remain mild.

Falling Below the State Average

The county's 44.4°F average temperature is three degrees cooler than the New York state average of 47.4°F. This cooler profile is typical for the high-elevation and rural terrain of Western New York.

Heavy Snow Compared to State Peers

While its 41.7 inches of rain is slightly below the state average, Wyoming County is a snow leader with 70.1 inches annually. This heavy snowfall dwarfs many other counties in the southern and eastern parts of the state.

Mild Summers and Frozen Winters

Summers are exceptionally comfortable with zero days reaching 90°F and an average of 65.4°F. However, winters are harsh, featuring a 22.9°F average and a deep January freeze of 20.3°F.

Winter Preparedness is Essential

High-capacity heating systems and snow removal equipment are vital for managing over 70 inches of annual snow. With no extreme heat days, residents can often prioritize home insulation over heavy-duty air conditioning.

Soil Quality in Wyoming County

via SoilByCounty

The Silt-Rich Profile of Wyoming County

Wyoming County soil features a pH of 5.81, which is more alkaline than the New York state average of 5.11. This pH level is approaching the national median of 6.5, making it highly suitable for the county's extensive dairy and crop farming. It represents a productive middle ground in New York’s soil chemistry.

A Silty Foundation for Diverse Crops

Silt is the dominant component at 50.8%, giving the soil a smooth texture and excellent moisture retention. Sand makes up 29.3% and clay sits at 16.9%, providing a balanced structural mix that prevents the soil from being too heavy or too loose. This composition is ideal for retaining the nutrients necessary for high-yield agriculture.

Productive Soils with Steady Water Access

The organic matter content is 7.31%, which is lower than the state average but significantly above the national benchmark of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.170 in/in ensures that crops have a steady supply of moisture during the growing season. This combination supports the high productivity of the region's agricultural lands.

Efficient Moisture Handling for Farmers

Despite a lack of specific drainage class data, the high silt percentage typically results in moderate drainage and good capillary action. The soil’s water capacity stays near the state average, helping to buffer crops against the variability of summer rainfall. It is a reliable hydrologic environment for both large-scale farming and home gardening.

Gardening Success in Hardiness Zone 5b

In Zone 5b, Wyoming County is perfectly suited for cool-season crops, silage corn, and hardy perennials. The silty texture provides an excellent bed for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips which thrive in smooth, stone-free soil. Take advantage of this balanced fertility and start your backyard garden today.

Lawn Care in Wyoming County

via LawnByCounty

Lush Lawns in the Western Hills

Wyoming County is a top performer with a lawn difficulty score of 65.2, comfortably beating the state average. The Zone 5b climate provides a reliable environment for those looking to maintain a thick, green turf.

Cool Summers and Steady Rain

Remarkably, the county averages 0 extreme heat days per year, preventing the typical summer browning seen elsewhere. The 41.7 inches of annual precipitation and 2,042 growing degree days create a slow but very steady growing environment.

Moderate Acidity and Balanced Texture

A soil pH of 5.81 is manageable with minimal amendments to reach the ideal 6.0 range. The texture is well-balanced with 16.9% clay and 29.3% sand, providing enough structure to hold water without becoming completely waterlogged.

Building Resilience Against Dryness

The county experienced 25 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show only 24.7% of the area is dry. Maintaining a higher mowing height will help shade the soil and protect roots during these periodic dry spells.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5b

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in these cool, consistent conditions. Aim to seed your lawn after May 7 and allow the grass to establish before the growing season ends with the first frost on October 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wyoming County's county score?
Wyoming County, New York has a composite county score of 58.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Wyoming County rank among counties in New York?
Wyoming County ranks #5 among all counties in New York on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Wyoming County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Wyoming County is $3,557, with an effective tax rate of 2.30%. This earns Wyoming County a tax score of 1.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wyoming County?
The median household income in Wyoming County, New York is $68,913 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wyoming County earns an income score of 64.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wyoming County, New York a good place to live?
Wyoming County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in New York. The best way to evaluate Wyoming County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Wyoming County with other counties side by side.